Shaedon Sharpe commits to NBA Slam Dunk Contest

John Calipari used to tell Kentucky fans to get to their seats inside Rupp Arena early to get a look at five-star sensation Shaedon Sharpe put on a show during pregame warmups.

He never played a second for the Wildcats, instead opting to sit out the year and declare for the 2022 NBA Draft where he was ultimately selected No. 7 overall by the Portland Trail Blazers.

Like what you saw in the layup lines, at least? Sharpe is running it back in a more competitive format, committing to the 2023 Slam Dunk Contest during NBA All-Star Weekend.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported late Thursday evening that Sharpe was indeed set to participate, the first player to commit to the event during All-Star Weekend, which begins February 18 in Salt Lake City.

The former Wildcat has put forth a strong rookie campaign with the Trail Blazers this season, averaging 7.9 points and 2.5 rebounds on 47.7% shooting in 36 games this season. Scoring in double figures 15 times, Sharpe currently ranks 11th in scoring among rookies. As you can imagine, though, his biggest contributions have come in the form of highlight dunks, showing off his elite athleticism every time he steps on the floor.

In fact, he has an entire three-and-a-half-minute highlight reel dedicated solely to his slams midway through the season — some nothing short of filthy.

Shaedon Sharpe has some of the craziest bounce ever. Here are ALL of his dunks so far this season: pic.twitter.com/xrbed0tVaN

— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) January 3, 2023

Kentucky forward Jacob Toppin’s brother, Obi, won the prestigious event last year, topping the likes of Cole Anthony, Jalen Green and Juan Toscano-Anderson.

Will yet another player with Kentucky ties take home the trophy this time around? We’ll find out in February.